Media companies have asked UK broadband providers to collate info on illegal downloaders, which could violate data protection laws. Those caught committing piracy could be subject to internet throttling and even prosecution.

In an attempt to clamp down on the illegal downloading of music
and films, the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the
British Video Association have requested BT, Virgin Media, BSkyB
and TalkTalk to record information on piracy.

The new code of conduct would oblige the companies to gather data
on illegal downloaders and store it in a database. The
information could then lead to repeat offenders having their
internet cut-off or being prosecuted. Internet users will
reportedly been given warnings by letter before these measures
are taken, reports the Guardian.

The move has attracted controversy amid speculation that it may
violate the Data Protection Act, as the law says that companies
may only retain personal data relating to a client if it is for
commercial purposes.

"Music and film companies are speaking to broadband providers
about how to address illegal file-sharing, but what they're
currently proposing is unworkable," Virgin Media spokeswoman
Emma Hutchinson told the Guardian. While a spokeswoman from
TalkTalk said the new measure was currently under discussions,
but “customers' rights always come first and we would never
agree to anything that could compromise them."

The proposal comes as part of a nationwide clampdown on growing
internet piracy. Between November 2012 and January 2013, UK
watchdog Offcom reported that 280 million music tracks had been
pirated, as well as 52 million television programs.

Weeding out piracy

The UK has already taken some measures to cut down on internet
piracy. The website The Pirate Bay is now blocked in Britain and
the government has threatened legal action against six members of
the Pirate Party for refusing to take down a Pirate Bay proxy
website.

Following legal threats by the BPI, the Pirate Party UK decided
to shut down the proxy website. Moreover, the BPI launched an
unprecedented attack on torrent sites in May, seeking to block 25
web addresses.

The BPI maintain that the measures are taken to ensure protect
the artists’ and legal services’ rights. However, UK Pirate Party
leader Loz Kaye told RT that record labels were using the
measures to maintain their monopoly and push smaller companies
out of business.
“Essentially, this is about the record labels trying to remain
gatekeepers and actually push other companies out. But this
approach will not work! It’s going to alienate a generation of
music lovers, and it’s going to perhaps radicalize internet
users,” said Kaye.